U.S. int’l Ibarra joins Mexico’s Leon

Miguel Ibarra in action against the Mexico under-21 national team in a friendly on July 4, 2014, in Blaine, Minnesota. (Photo: Mexsport)

BLAINE, Minnesota -- Minnesota United announced Thursday that it has reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of midfielder Miguel Ibarra to Liga MX side Leon.

Ibarra has been with Minnesota since 2012. During his tenure with United he earned the 2014 North American Soccer League (NASL) Golden Ball, was a two time NASL Best XI member, and became the first second-division player to be called up to the United States national team since 2005.

“First of all I want to thank the organization for everything they've done for me, they have opened the doors for me to start my career in the beautiful state of Minnesota,” said Ibarra, whose been capped three times. “They have worked so hard and that's why the team is where they are now, bigger and stronger than ever.”

The 25-year-old was a key contributor in the midfield for Minnesota, scoring 16 goals in 93 appearances across all competitions.

As part of the agreement, Leon will visit Minnesota United for a friendly on July 18 at National Sports Center Stadium with Ibarra playing one half for each team.